So we decided to go to the airport early and eat dinner but instead we got on an earlier flight since it is X-Mas eve and I guess not very many people are flying today.
This has been my saving grace since I am still plagued and my ears were bothering me all day at work:
If you fly often or have ear problems due to the cabin pressure try these! I think this is the only reason I wasn't in tears on the final descent into Oakland.